“Foreign trade remains a priority for ensuring economic stability. In 2025, trade volumes increased by more than 18%. Thanks to restrained import figures, the foreign trade balance grew more than 1.6 times. In January–February 2026, the dynamics became even more effective: export growth reached nearly 140%, while imports declined,” Sergei Lobodinsky said.
According to him, deliveries of goods with the Brest brand to foreign markets increased by more than a quarter. “The vectors of foreign economic activity are increasingly shifting toward eastern regions. Nine new countries have been added where new export deliveries have been secured. The main impact on foreign trade came from suppliers of meat and dairy products, fish products, kitchen appliances, furniture, and meat processing equipment. There is also growth in deliveries of import-substituting and innovative goods,” the Brest mayor said.
For example, meat and dairy products produced in Brest are known from Malaysia and the Philippines to Ivory Coast. Road machinery made by Brest specialists works in the Gulf countries and India.
“Exports of transport services have begun to grow. The tourism sector is developing actively, and we have serious plans for it. To establish, intensify, and support external interactions during exchange visits, we always involve representatives of the real economy sector. Roadmaps outlining specific activities are signed with twin cities,” Sergei Lobodinsky added.
An international business contact forum will be held in Brest on 28-29 April. Its program is quite extensive. Among other things, a business matchmaking session is planned, with the participation of business representatives from Zimbabwe, Niger, Sudan, India, and China. “Representatives of Brest will also take part. The areas for cooperation will be diverse: from the production of construction materials to transport and logistics services,” the Brest mayor concluded.
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